Each year, the first full week of May marks Loon Appreciation Week.  Loon Appreciation Week is celebrated through local presentations and the national distribution of an annual poster.  The poster contributes to the LoonWatch programs's goals of protecting Common Loons and their aquatic habitats through education, monitoring, and research.

LoonWatch sponsors a photo contest to choose a photograph for use on the front of the poster. 

The 2008 Loon Appreciation Week poster features photographer Jeff Richter of Mercer, WI. Richter was featured on the 1998 (20th Anniversary), 1998, and 2003 (25th Anniversary) posters. The poster back features how to take small steps to make a big difference for loons.

Posters are distributed to the pulic, schools, libraries, community centers, natural resource agencies, and environmental organizations.

2008 Loon Appreciation Week Events

Are you interested in planning a loon program to celebrate Loon Appreciation Week for May 4-10, 2008?  LoonWatch can help you plan a loon event.  Go to the LoonWatch calendar for a list of scheduled events.

Loon Appreciation Week Posters

Poster Sponsors

The poster is funded through sponsorships.  Perhaps you or your organization, lake association, nature center, or group would like to become a sponsor for the 2008 Loon Appreciation Week poster.

Thank you to our 2006 poster sponsors listed on the 2006 Poster Honor Roll.

Click on a poster image for an enlarged view of both sides of the poster.

2007 - Ryan White. The theme is Get the Lead Out!

Past Posters

2006 - David Olson. The theme, Status of Common Loon Populations across North America, highlights the loon survey results of the many citizen monitoring groups across the continent.

2005 - Hank Krizman.  The theme is Loons and Humans: Connctions and loon experts and enthusiasts share their stories and reflections on the interrelationships that connect loons and humans.

2004 - Gary Lackie.  The theme of the 2004 annual poster is Loon Parenting and Behavior with information on loon reproduction, environmental factors, and body language used by loons while on their nesting territories.

2003 - Jeff Richter. The 2003 theme is Common Loons and their Aquatic Habitats and discusses loon habitat requirements and threats.

2002 - Lisa Fifield. The theme for the 2002 poster is Loon Legends with an emphasis on the oral storytelling tradition and legendary tales about loons.

To Order a Poster

Cost: $6.00 for postage and handling.  To order the 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, or 2002 posters pictured above, fill out the LoonWatch Merchandise Order Form and mail it to LoonWatch.  The 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006 posters all measure 24" x 18"  but the 2003 poster measures 23" x 17".